“We’re put here to fight, not necessarily to win!” Dan Bongino
When I heard Dan Bongino make the above opening statement, he caught my attention. Dan went on to infer something every Christian knows: this world is not our permanent home. There’s another home waiting for us, as Dan looked upward. Dan was saying even though we might be called home before we see God win the final spiritual/cultural battle, our job while here on earth is to fight, fight, fight for what is right, good, and pleasing to God. Not literally fight, of course, but to use the gifts, talents, and opportunities God gives each of us to engage in the spiritual battle for good versus evil playing out all around us. As Dan put it, “We’re in the fight of our lives for freedom and liberty.”
Often people don’t want to engage in the moral fight for many reasons, but the underlying core issue is fear. Fear they’ll be ridiculed, canceled, harassed, bullied, shunned, doxed, fired . . . Maybe lose friends, or even family members will turn on them. Or maybe they just don’t think our side can win! So why bother putting yourself out there and take a risk, even for a cause you believe in and where you want to see change, if you’re not sure of success.
Those people are missing a huge part of the Christian life. It’s not all about winning, but it is about standing our ground for what is right even when there’s a cost. That’s why Dan’s comment seems so meaningful to me. Our job is not to win, but to do our part in furthering the truth and leaving the outcome up to God, who we know will royally win in the end.
The disciples probably thought they had lost the cultural and spiritual battle as they watched Jesus die on the Cross. But He arose three days later, to assure them the battle continues and they were part of the fight. Jesus would send the Holy Spirit to guide them in their battle plan and we have the same Holy Spirit living in us. The disciples didn’t win the spiritual battle but they never stopped participating in it. And they taught others to go and do the same while winning souls for Christ along the way.
The Apostle Paul had many setbacks and he knew he wasn’t going to win everyone over to Christ, but that never stopped him from winning as many souls as he could in the time God gave him. Then his final personal win would come when God called him home with what we all long to hear some day, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Phil. 3:13-15
Even as Paul wrote to young Timothy from prison in 1st and 2nd Timothy, he did not feel like he had lost the fight as he counseled his mentee to carry on the ministry. And praise God, Timothy did continue sharing the gospel as many others have over the years, like you and me. Not worrying whether we’re winning or losing, we know we’re always winners when we’re fighting in the Lord’s army. Here are Paul’s wise words to Timothy, which every pastor, parent, and mentor should embrace and pass on to the next generation.
2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Tim. 4:2-8 NLT
Paraphrasing Christian poet T.S. Eliot, there are no lost causes because there are no permanent victories. Only when our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ returns to earth will He victoriously win the battle over wickedness and evil. Until then, we fight on! So let’s each do our part as the Lord leads and let God be responsible for the final win!
Note: This is our February/March newsletter because hubby Dave is having his second knee replacement surgery on March 9. Dave is the production editor of the newsletter and won’t be back at his desk for a while. I’ll be busy as his caregiver but will try to give updates on Facebook if you follow me there. We would greatly appreciate your prayers.
About His Work with You,
Janet
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